TALLAHASSEE — No one deserved to catch the final out of Florida’s 4-3 victory against Florida State on Tuesday night more than Harrison Bader.
Fueled by its speedy outfielder, Florida (16-18) upset No. 7 Florida State (27-6) in a comeback victory at Dick Howser Stadium in front of the fifth-largest crowd in FSU history. Bader finished 2 for 4 at the plate, robbed a home run and scored three runs in a game the Gators needed to win in order to avoid a season sweep against the Seminoles.
With the score knotted 3-3, Bader led off the ninth inning by reaching second on a throwing error to first by Florida State third baseman Jose Brizuela. Bader advanced to third after an errant pickoff attempt by closer Robby Coles. Josh Tobias, the next batter, drove Bader in on a sacrifice fly to right field.
Bader erased a one-run deficit in the seventh inning thanks to his awareness on the base paths. The freshman reached base on a single — his second hit of the game on an 0-2 count. He then stole second and advanced to third on catcher Stephen McGee’s throwing error.
“Probably his best game he’s played this year to be honest with you,” coach Kevin O’Sullivan said of Bader’s performance. “He’s had a tough go of it recently. I thought he stayed on the ball really good at the plate tonight. Made a nice play in left field (and) ran the bases aggressively.”
Florida embraced its small-ball identity against Florida State. Bader served as the poster child. The Gators put a runner on base in every frame from the third inning on, allowing them increased freedom to take chances.
Cody Dent ended the third inning when he was thrown out trying to steal third on a double steal. Richie Martin advanced from first to third in the eighth inning on a Justin Shafer base hit to left field. The Gators, who entered Tuesday three games under .500, do not have time to waste with one month remaining.
“I know it’s not textbook baseball and it’s not something you want to do, but we’re at a point now where we got to take some gambles,” O’Sullivan said.
Left-hander Bobby Poyner matched a career-high with four innings in his first start this season. Right-hander Ryan Harris and left-hander Daniel Gibson held the Seminoles scoreless during the final three innings. With closer Johnny Magliozzi in the starting rotation, the two have embraced their late-inning jobs.
The bullpen locked down Florida’s second one-run win in nine tries.
“Great atmosphere even though it’s hostile coming in here,” Bader said. “It’s great to play here. It’s a lot of fun. Huge win for us.”
Contact Adam Pincus at apincus@alligator.org.
Outfielder Harrison Bader bats during Florida’s 4-0 win against Ole Miss on March 31, 2013, at McKethan Stadium.
